Editorial: The Mother Tongue
By Ed Downs
Is this going to be an English lesson… in an aviation magazine? Yep, and by the time you’re finished reading this, you will hear the long-ago voice of your fifth grade English teacher reminding your bored and disinterested self that, “someday you will need to know this stuff!” It may also interest the reader to know that the title of this editorial view is, in fact, plagiarized from one of the most fun books about English ever written, Mother Tongue, authored by famed satirist/humorist, Bill Bryson, who knows more than a little bit about just about everything. But English, the “mother tongue?” Isn’t that a bit disrespectful in a western world bent on nurturing “multi-culturalism,” meaning the support of separate languages and social structures within the borders of a given country? The short answer is no. In our world of aviation, English IS the mother tongue.
Let’s start at the beginning. A short time ago, the editorial crew at In Flight USA received a news announcement from Embry Riddle University announcing a new program and area of research. The contention of this announcement is that inflight communication difficulties, meaning language, have been a contributing cause to more accidents than previously thought. That research is just one part of Embry-Riddle’s overall Language as a Human Factor in Aviation Safety (LHUFT) Initiative to heighten awareness, improve aviation safety, and enhance future investigations. Two examples were given involving language-related confusion. Three new courses—Language as a Factor in Aviation Safety, Aviation Topics, and English for VFR Flight – are also being offered at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus to increase awareness and improve communication with the goal of expanding to Embry-Riddle’s worldwide campuses. Embry Riddle points out that English is the world standard for aviation, a fact that is technically defined by both international law and the FARs.
But, why English? Many of the most important advances in early aviation occurred in Europe, not America. While guys like the Wrights and Curtis were certainly pioneers, the oncoming “Great War” in Europe spurred a terrific expansion in aviation technology. England, France, and Germany were at the forefront, so why not French or German? It was realized quite early in the development of commercial aviation that country borders were becoming a thing of the past, as aircraft could quickly fly once around the world. By the end of WWII, the United States emerged as the world leader in aviation by a large margin.
U.S. airlines initiated round-the-world services while business and general aviation really took off. Enter an organization called the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, which codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transportation to ensure safe and orderly growth of international aviation.[2] Its headquarters are located in the Quarter International of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Yes, it is a French-speaking organization that decided that English should be the international language of aviation. Did you know that your U.S. Pilot Certificate meets ICAO standards, and is therefore considered an International Pilot Certificate? Did you know that a Sport Pilot Certificate does NOT meet ICAO standards, and may be used only in the U. S.? Flip your Pilot Certificate over and note the fine print on the left side of the certificate that reads “English Proficient.” This is an ICAO endorsement that states you meet ICAO Level 4 English standards (more on that to follow).
This standard was certified by the examiner who gave you your check ride, using an Advisory Circular on the subject, AC 60-28/A, which has just (June 2, 2017) been replaced by AC 60-28B. It is possible that some readers who have not added to their certificates in the last 10 years or so may not have the ICAO endorsement. You need to get a revised certificate by going to the FAA website and wandering helplessly for the next several hours. Have fun!
So, are you a “Level 4” English Proficient pilot, eh? Perhaps we should go back and check with your fifth grade teacher. The FAR’s (Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107) make it clear that you must be able to “read, speak, write, and understand the English Language.” Fortunately, the FAA has created an Advisory Circular, AC 60-28B, that takes the place of that teacher and, as many might remember, “replaces that wooden ruler with that sharp brass edge. AC 60-28B has some important info in it, as the method of issuing some certificates has changed. As of this year, not just examiners (designees and/or FAA) are in the loop, but CFIs, Ground Instructors, and others must also conduct English Language evaluations. All certificate applications must now be processed through the FAA’s computer-based Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system, and any person authorizing the submission of an IACRA form must certify English skills.
Remember, CFIs now issue Student Pilot Certificates and sUAS certificates. It is interesting to note that CFIs are also required to verify citizenship and identification of new pilot applicants, along with some rating upgrades. Many municipalities will not allow their police to ask, “Are you a legal citizen?” but CFI’s are required by Federal law to do this on a regular basis. Now, back to the question, what is “Level 4” English? According to AC 60-28B, there are six categories to be evaluated: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interactions. Thank goodness, spelling is not included!
Recommendations are made as to how each of these standards is to be met, but the end estimate of ability will be subjective at best. Some of these categories are pretty tough such as the ability to read a technical document and then explain what it meant. For the most part, reading and analyzing text is no longer taught in schools, giving way to simply looking up data with a search engine. I think many young Americans might have difficulty with this standard. As for this writer, I just hope the test document was not written by Microsoft!
Basically, the above categories are “work related” but require meaningful proficiency. It is clear to this writer that some large flight schools that specialize in flight training of foreign nationals do not take these guidelines seriously. It also brings to mind the incredible dedication it takes for aviation professionals (including pilots, controllers, mechanics, and others) from non-English speaking countries, especially those with limited educational resources.
Another interesting note is that CFIs are being challenged to conduct the “English Proficiency” evaluations during flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks, in addition to initial certification applications. But there is one more chapter to this story. And that happens to be Chapter 4, Section 2 of the Aeronautical Information manual (AIM). With the exciting title of “Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques,” this chapter tells our English proficient person how to speak “ATC.” Not only should you say it in English, you need to say it right. One last thought, this California-raised writer thought he knew what normal English sounded like, until heading for Sun ‘n Fun and landing at an airport in Alabama with local boys using regional colloquialisms on CTAF.
Yes, English is the “Mother Tongue” of aviation. When flying domestically, use proper phraseology. If flying in the U.S. and you hear foreign students on CTAF speaking their native language, quickly get on the radio and state, “speak English,” as they may be discussing traffic pattern positions that you need to know about. Flight Schools working with many foreign nationals are encouraged to contact Embry Riddle University and learn more about the innovative studies they have underway and courses to improve English understanding. CFIs, download AC 60-28B and give it a read, it’s your job. For the rest of y’all, have a day that’s finer than a frog hair!
